TIGA, the trade association representing the UK videogames
industry, is arguing for a precise definition of a videogame which would be
useful ahead of the implementation of games tax relief.
TIGA has submitted the following definition of a video game to
the Government:
A game is interactive entertainment software whose primary
purpose is to entertain or educate.
This was defined with the intention of being as short and as
wide as possible. The aim is to provide a definition that is future proof.
Entertainment is vital as a necessary requirement of the engagement of games.
However, it also allows for products which are primarily education, allowing
serious games to potentially benefit from Games Tax Relief.
Vincent Scheurer, of the interactive entertainment industry
business affairs consultancy Sarassin LLP, has worked with TIGA on the
definition.
Scheurer, TIGA’s Company Secretary, said:
“It is important that we define the word “game” in a way
which does not artificially limit the availability of tax relief for games
companies in the UK. The rules governing
the availability of the relief will include a number of additional restrictions
on the types of games and expenditure which can qualify, so we need to ensure
that the starting-point, the core underlying concept of a “game” itself, is
wide enough to cover all types of games.”
Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:
“As well as being of general interest, a specific definition
of what makes a videogame will have a practical application in so far as games
tax relief. It will ensure that tax relief is aimed at the right sector for the
benefit of those squarely in the videogame sector.”
Jason Kingsley OBE, TIGA Chairman and CEO and Creative
Director at Rebellion, said:
“TIGA wants
entertainment and educational games – including ‘serious’ games – to benefit
from Games Tax Relief. 98 per cent of developers and digital publishers in a
recent TIGA survey wanted educational games to be able to apply for Games Tax
Relief. Our definition of a video game will enable a wide range of games to be
eligible for the Relief.”
Notes
to editors:
About
TIGA:
TIGA
is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The
majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house
publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing
companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA
was awarded ‘Trade Association of the Year’ and the ‘Member Recruitment Award’
at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2010. TIGA has also been
named as a finalist in the 2010 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) National
Management and Leadership Awards in the category of ‘The Outstanding
Organisation of the Year Award (SME)’.
TIGA is an ‘Investors in People’
accredited organisation.
TIGA's
vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games
business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation,
generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the
competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are
effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the
media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses,
including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.
For further
information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or
email richard.wilson@tiga.org.